Tad (band)

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Tad

Origin Seattle, Washington, US
Years active 1988–1999
Genres Grunge
Noise Rock
Alternative Metal
Labels Sub Pop Records
Amphetamine Reptile Records
Futurist Records
Giant/Warner Bros. Records
EastWest/Elektra Records

Tad was an American rock band from Seattle, Washington. They were one of the first of the many bands which came out of Seattle in the grunge era. Their music had a noticeable 1970s metal influence, rather than the punk which influenced most other grunge bands. Although their commercial success was limited, their music is still highly regarded amongst grunge fans.

Contents

[edit] History

Led by ex-butcher Tad Doyle on vocals and guitar, Tad was formed in early 1988 by Doyle and bassist Kurt Danielson, who met at a Christian potluck dinner. They previously played together in a band called Bundle of Hiss until 1988. Doyle himself was previously the drummer for the Boise, Idaho band 'H-Hour' active in the early and mid-'80s. They recruited drummer Steve Wied (formerly of Skin Yard) and guitarist Gary Thorstensen to complete the original lineup.

Tad was among the first bands to be signed to Sub Pop Records and was a pioneer of what was to be later called grunge rock. Their debut album God's Balls appeared in early 1989 and was produced by seminal Seattle producer Jack Endino. In March 1990 they released the Salt Lick EP, recorded by Steve Albini. The single "Wood Goblins" was released in the same year, but was apparently banned by MTV. After a tour with Nirvana, Tad returned to Seattle and recorded their second album 8-Way Santa (1991), named after a type of blotter acid. Produced by Butch Vig (better known for Nirvana's Nevermind), the album was far more pop-oriented than its predecessors, featuring such songs as "Jinx", "Stumblin' Man" and "Jack Pepsi". "Jack Pepsi" would become their best-known song, but Pepsi filed a lawsuit against the band due to the cover art on the single, which was the Pepsi logo with "TAD" in place of "PEPSI." Another lawsuit was filed due to the cover of 8-Way Santa (which was a found picture of a man fondling a woman's breast.) The couple in the photograph, who were born-again Christians and married, took exception and sued. Sub Pop changed the album cover.

After a very brief acting stint in Singles, Tad were offered their first major-label opportunity by Giant Records. However, Steve Wied had left, joining Willard, and later Foil. Rey Washam (formerly of Scratch Acid) briefly filled on drums in 1991 and 1992 but was later replaced by Josh Sinder, previously of the Accused. Sinder debuted with Tad on their last Sub-Pop release, the "Salem"/"Leper" single (which featured "Mud-Man", Josh's brother, on the cover). Their major label debut Inhaler appeared later in the year to positive reviews. The record failed to break the band however, even though they were chosen to open for Soundgarden's on their 1994 Superunknown tour. Giant Records quickly got cold feet and dropped the band when a poster promoting Inhaler surfaced featuring Bill Clinton smoking a joint with the caption reading "This is heavy shit".

In 1994, the band released Live Alien Broadcasts on Futurist Records, which was a best-of live studio recording. Thorstensen left but they secured a second major-label deal with EastWest/Elektra Records in 1995 releasing their fifth album Infrared Riding Hood. Tad were dropped again in 1996 when the album received disappointing sales although this was mainly due to poor promotion by the label. They continued to gig for the remainder of the year before Sinder left to form the Hot Rod Lunatics. He was replaced on drums by Mike Mongrain of Foil. Tad's final single "Oppenheimer's Pretty Nightmare"/"Accident On The Way To Church" appeared in 1998 on Up Records. A year later the band dissolved.

Following Tad's breakup, Doyle formed Hog Molly in 2001, releasing the album Kung-Fu Cocktail Grip late the same year. He currently plays in new band Hoof who have yet to release any recordings. Kurt Danielson went on to join Valis, a project which included members of Screaming Trees and Mudhoney. Josh Sinder has gone on to play drums in The Insurgence and also plays with Marky Felchtone from Zeke in new band Hellbound For Glory.

[edit] Band members

  • Tad Doyle (b. Thomas Doyle) - vocals, guitar
  • Gary Thorstensen - guitar (1988-1994)
  • Kurt Danielson - bass
  • Steve Wied (b. Steven Wiederhold) - drums (1988-1991)
  • Rey Washam - drums (1991-1992)
  • Josh Sinder - drums (1993-1996)
  • Mike Mongrain - drums (1996-1999)

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

[edit] Singles/EPs

[edit] Compilation/Soundtrack contributions

[edit] References

[edit] See also

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